The satellites that provide direct-to-home satellite television for the United Kingdom appear stationary from the ground. Once you have fitted Sky or Freesat, the dish never needs to be moved.

To do this the transmitting satellites are in what is known as a 'geostationary orbit' above the equator. The ones for Freesat and Sky are in the 28.2 degrees East position - which means these units at 35,786 km (above 22,000 miles) above part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Due to the popularity of satellite TV, the channels are broadcast from a number of different satellites, each of which has different coverage area on the ground. Satellite people call these areas 'satellite footprints''.

Shown below are the satellite footprints and which of the free-to-air channels on the channels on them. If you need the full technical details both LyngSat and KingOfSat are highly recommended.